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Coroner Probes Call Handling After Meningitis Tragedy
6 Sep
Summary
- Teenager died from meningitis after parents rushed him to hospital.
- Emergency call handlers lacked a sepsis pathway on their system.
- Coroner raised concerns about emergency call handling procedures.
Coroner Dr Karen Henderson has expressed serious concerns regarding emergency call handling after the death of 17-year-old Oliver Shelley from meningococcal septicaemia in July 2024. Shelley's parents rushed him to East Surrey Hospital in Redhill because an ambulance was not dispatched following their 999 call.
An inquest held in February revealed that Shelley's parents contacted emergency services on July 22, 2024, reporting meningitis symptoms. Despite this, an ambulance was not sent, prompting the parents to transport him themselves, arriving at the hospital shortly before 16:00 BST.
Upon admission, the teenager exhibited a widespread rash and signs of septic shock and organ dysfunction. His condition continued to deteriorate, and he passed away seven-and-a-half hours after being admitted. The coroner highlighted the absence of a sepsis pathway on the computer system assisting call handlers as a significant concern.
